The M ‘Young Chef of the Year’ competition is back, showcasing and championing the culinary stars of the future and supporting the industry and its young chefs, with the winner to be crowned Young Chef of the Year 2020.
Aiming to drive and reinforce morale in the hospitality industry, at a time when it needs it most, aspiring young chefs from in and around London and the UK are encouraged to enter to be in with the chance to participate in this exciting industry-wide campaign.
The industry is experiencing unprecedented times as a result of the current pandemic and M recognise now more than ever the need support, celebrate and inspire the young talent who are dedicated to contributing to the future of hospitality.
Entrants, who must be between the ages of 18-29, are asked to submit an original four-course menu for consideration by Monday 13th July, and are judged on the quality, their approach to sustainability and their ability to demonstrate a zero-waste philosophy as well as ethical sourcing of produce.
Those who suitably impress will be invited to take part in the competitive heats in London w/c 20 July and Manchester/Leeds w/c 27 July. The 25 chosen finalists will then be challenged to host their own pop-up night, with points awarded by a well-known board of industry figureheads as judges including Adam Handling, Richard Bainbridge, Romy Gill, David Ellis, William Sitwell and James Knappett.
Throughout the competition the young chefs will be mentored by a team of experts including M’s Culinary Director, Mike Reid, who is a well-loved, household name in the industry and recently featured on BBC’s new edition of Ready, Steady Cook. CEO Martin Williams and M’s marketing and operational teams will also be on hand to offer business acumen and ensure participants are armed with the knowledge and understanding of how to build a successful menu, market their restaurant and fill it for the evening and beyond.
On 2 November the finalists will take part in a Winners Gala Dinner at M Victoria St, where the Young Chef of the Year 2020 will be crowned and awarded their prize: further one-on-one coaching directly from Mike Reid, as well as work experience in their chosen restaurant - choosing from any restaurant that our judges are a part of.
Reid commented, “Last year’s winner Matthey Hurry, a sous chef at Hotel Cafe Royal’s Laurent was an amazing example of a young chef who combined culinary skill with business and marketing prowess. He is a rising star; we look forward to finding another!”
M Founder and CEO Martin Williams said, “We are delighted to be entering the fourth year of M’s Young Chef of the Year competition, which during this time is more important than ever. After what can only be described as the toughest, most challenging year hospitality has faced to date, we recognise that now more than ever is the time to celebrate, champion and support young talent. Let the search begin!
M Threadneedle St opens its booking lines today to allow provisional bookings from 4 July.
Williams added, “We were born an independent restaurant, so Independence Day feels like a perfect day to reopen and bring the finest USA Prime Steak and Napa Wines, back to the people of London at M – our Gastro-Playground.”